New Delhi, November 29, 2024: Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed deep anguish over disruptions in the House, attributing them to the frequent misuse of Rule 267. Addressing the Upper House, Dhankhar remarked that this rule, intended for urgent discussions, has turned into a tool for political interruptions, undermining the legislative process.
Rule 267 permits members to suspend listed business to deliberate on urgent public issues. However, its liberal application has sparked controversy, with Dhankhar rejecting 13 notices under the rule this week alone. He emphasized that Rule 267, used sparingly over the last three decades, has now become a daily occurrence, leading to a breakdown in parliamentary decorum and productivity.
“We are not honoring the expectations of the people. Our actions have strayed from being people-centric to fostering public distaste,” said Dhankhar. He added that disruptions have caused the House to lose three critical working days in the ongoing winter session, depriving citizens of much-needed legislative action.
The Opposition, led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, has criticized the rejection of Rule 267 notices, particularly those related to allegations against the Adani Group. Kharge argued that Rule 267 is the only avenue to raise pressing national issues and demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe the allegations.
The Chairman’s remarks highlight the growing debate over balancing urgent public concerns with the need to maintain parliamentary discipline. While the Opposition claims Rule 267 is vital for democracy, Dhankhar urged members to introspect and focus on constructive debates.
The ongoing friction underscores the need for consensus on using procedural tools like Rule 267 without derailing the legislative agenda.
Web Team, C6N
